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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 01/15/2025
The chapter's 2025 January Small Business Breakfast was a fantastic start to the year, bringing together small business leaders and key representatives from the U.S. Air Force. We were thrilled to feature Robert Warren, chief of the Headquarters Space Force Enterprise Support Division, Air Force District of Washington Contracting Directorate, and Christopher Jones, director of the Office of Small Business Programs at Air Force District of Washington (AFDW), Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.The discussion focused on the Air Force's dedication to small business engagement, covering essential topics like market research and responding to requests for information, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, and the upcoming AFDW Industry Week. Attendees gained actionable insights into current initiatives and strategies to position their business for success in the Air Force. |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 12/18/2024
The chapter's Emerging Leaders joined thousands of volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery to participate in Wreaths Across America. Together, chapter members honored our nation's veterans by laying wreaths at their graves and saying each veteran's name aloud-a simple yet profound way to ensure their memory lives on. The chapter is proud to support this meaningful mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Thank you to all who support this important tradition and to those who continue to serve our nation.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 02/21/2024
The chapter's February Small Business Breakfast featured a keynote from Philip Alcorn, director of the Army Cyber Technology and Innovation Center (ArCTIC) at U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER).Alcorn opened with an overview of ARCYBER's mission to protect and defend Army and Department of Defense network systems. He detailed the interagency collaboration that strengthened their capabilities and pointed to a gap in the rapid acquisition of cyber-specific equipment and capabilities that led to the establishment of ArCTIC. Under Alcorn's leadership, ArCTIC has become a dynamic hub for the fast-tracked development and deployment of cybersecurity technologies. He shared that the center is actively working to increase its limited acquisition authority, which stands at $500,000 for research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) and $2 million for procurement. Alcorn underscored ArCTIC's commitment to pioneering research through strategic alliances with government agencies, in ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 11/15/2023
The chapter's Small Business Committee organized a breakfast event that showcased a presentation by Darlene Bullock, executive director of the Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Bullock commenced her presentation by highlighting the DHS mission, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding the American people, homeland and values with honor and integrity. She explored the operational and support components of the DHS, highlighting its status as the third-largest cabinet department, following the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Bullock continued and reviewed the connection between the DHS and the OSDBU, illustrating the relationship through a flow chart depicting key components such as the contracting activity office, OCPO Division, Direct Oversight, Indirect Oversight and HCA (Head of Contracting Activity).Steps to doing business with the DHS begin with two distinct g ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 10/18/2023
In October, the chapter was excited to host Robert Brooke from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), as the guest keynote speaker at the Small Business Breakfast event. Brooke's comprehensive and informative presentation detailed how start-ups and small businesses can leverage Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs to drive growth and bring their ideas to market.The VIPC accelerates early commercialization and funding support for Virginia innovations, entrepreneurs, startups and market development initiatives. The VIPC concentrates on the early commercialization and seed funding stages of innovation, helping innovators and tech entrepreneurs launch and grow new companies, create high-paying jobs and accelerate economic growth throughout the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. The VIPC works with more than 400 companies per year that receive over $200 million in SBIR/STTR funding annually. Brooke high ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 08/23/2023
The chapter hosted the AFCEA NOVA Small Business Breakfast with guest speaker Lt. Gen. VeraLinn "Dash" Jamieson, USAF (Ret.), in August at the Oracle Auditorium in Reston, Virginia. Gen. Jamieson dedicated an impressive 37 years to the military. Her career included leadership roles at various levels, leading to her position as director of the U.S. Air Force's Intelligence Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Cyber Effects Operations. During the event, she shared many fundamental principles she has successfully applied in her business endeavors and personal life since transitioning from the military.Gen. Jamieson explained that listening is key and good business leaders should listen to their customers, business segments and intuition. She also emphasized the importance of continual learning and embracing emerging technologies to expand one's knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, she stressed how critical it is to choose strategic partners wisely, invest in relatio ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 07/20/2023
In July, the AFCEA NOVA Small Business Committee welcomed the Department of State's George Price. Price assumed the role of the director of the Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization in 2015. He is responsible for strategy advisement within the Department of State on small business procurement.Price provided the audience with important fundamentals to ensure small businesses are equipped for success. He emphasized the need to utilize basic business principles and relationship-building strategies. He also stressed that small businesses should clearly articulate their benefits and differentiators while aligning those to the State Department's needs. During his presentation, Price explained that the role of the program manager is highly visible because this person not only acts as the face of the program but also represents the small business. Price advised hiring managers to consider their staffing choices carefully for this critical role. He also cov ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 05/11/2023
In May, the AFCEA NOVA Small Business Committee hosted the Small Business Enterprise IT Day in Herndon, Virginia. The event brought together 250 people from industry and government to network and connect. The theme of the event was "Breaking Down Barriers to Maintain the Competitive Advantage" and featured keynote speakers Farooq Mitha, director, Office of Small Business Programs Director, U.S. Department of Defense, and Michelle Goddard-Kim, chief diversity officer, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). Many of the Office of Small Business Programs directors attended and participated in panels during the day. The panelists included Carlen Capenos, DISA, Kimberly Buehler, U.S. Army, and Scott Kiser, U.S. Air Force. In addition, Lisa Wood of Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), an Apex Accelerator, led an industry panel.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 03/08/2023
In March, Dwight Deneal spoke to a sold-out crowd at the AFCEA NOVA Small Business Breakfast. Deneal is the director of the Office of Small Business Programs for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).In his presentation, Deneal provided an overview of the small business program at the DLA and the upcoming JETS 2.0 contract vehicle. The DLA provides large-scale acquisition services for the U.S. military and supports acquisitions of military supplies. Further, the DLA manages the acquisition of over $48 billion in military contracts per year. Deneal discussed the DLA's strategic priorities, to include small businesses, of which there are four: defending the homeland, deterring strategic attacks, deterring aggression and building a resilient joint force and ecosystem. These priorities translate to four focus areas for the organization: competition, access, parity and equity. Deneal noted that his office supports Small Business programs for all DLA Contracting Servic ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 01/18/2023
In January, the chapter's Small Business Committee hosted a breakfast with Stacy Watson, Enterprise Solutions Division director of Army Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS). An acquisition program of the U.S. Army, CHESS manages a number of federal contract vehicles and enables both the U.S. Army and other federal agencies to conduct procurement for a variety of information technology hardware and services. CHESS implements a large quantity purchasing strategy to allow the U.S. Army to purchase information technology (IT) solutions at the lowest possible cost.At the breakfast, Watson provided an overview of the CHESS program as well as details on how small businesses can conduct business with the U.S. Army. Additionally, she provided information on existing and upcoming CHESS contract vehicles and how small businesses can utilize them. She also provided information on the federal acquisition process, waivers to the process, procurement authorizat ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 11/15/2022
In November, a large crowd gathered for the AFCEA NOVA Small Business Breakfast to hear Dale Rainey from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), director of the Office of Small Business Programs. He is responsible for promoting the use of small, small disadvantaged, HUBZONE, small women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions with the organization. Rainey is instrumental in acquisition planning and helps ensure small businesses are provided an equitable opportunity for prime and subcontracting opportunities.At the breakfast, Rainey discussed how to do business with the NGA. He went on to explain the Small Business Program and its areas of interest and goals for the upcoming year. Of particular interest was that the NGA is actively looking for small businesses to bring innovative solutions to the agency. In some cases, the NGA is willing to help individual candidates gain security clea ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 10/28/2022
In October, over 70 people gathered for the in-person AFCEA NOVA Small Business Breakfast and were joined by Kimberly Buehler. Buehler is the director of the Army Office of Small Business Programs where she provides executive leadership for all aspects of the Army's small business mission, which includes a portfolio of over $24 billion.At the breakfast, Buehler discussed the Army's strategic priorities relating to small businesses. Her office works closely with the five commands: Army Materials Command, Army Futures Command, U.S. Army Core of Engineers, Medical Command and National Guard Bureau. She went on to explain the Small Business Program and its areas of interest and mandates as well as goals for fiscal year 2022. Additional information can be found by reading the FY 20-21 Annual Report: https://osbp.army.mil/Resources/Anunual-Fiscal-Report. Buehler also discussed the need for disadvantaged contractors. She advised qualified firms to contact their local PTAC ad ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 07/13/2022
In July, 60 people gathered for the return of the first in-person chapter Small Business Breakfast since the start of the pandemic. The speaker, Ronald Saville, is the senior procurement analyst with the Department of the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs (SAF/SB), where he is the policy chief for U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force Small Business. His latest achievement was drafting Headquarters Air Force Mission Directive 1-30, Director, Small Business Programs, obtaining the acting secretary of the Air Force's signature on the document, and managing its publication. His ongoing project is updating Air Force Instruction 90-1801 and Air Force Policy Directive 90-18, Small Business Programs.At the breakfast, Saville discussed the SAF/SB organization and shared information about the U.S. Space Force. He went on to explain the Small Business Program and its areas of interest and mandates, as well as goals for fiscal year 22. Of particular interest was the First Look ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 06/08/2022 The chapter hosted its annual day-long Small Business Enterprise IT Day 2022 in May. The theme "Transforming Technology and Advancing Capabilities for Tomorrow" drove the agenda, confirming more than 20 senior leaders from defense agencies as speakers to address strategic priorities. The chapter hosted two keynote sessions and several panels designed specifically for the small business audience with the goal of fostering collaboration and communication between the government and small businesses. Caroline Kuharske, acting director, Office of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), presented the morning keynote. As the agency responsible for Department of Defense Information Networks operations, DISA's strategic plan has established several lines of effort, including "Leverage Data as a Center of Gravity." She shared that the CDO strategy will invest in data as a vital strategic asset in today's data-centric culture, integrate artificial ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 03/17/2022
In March, the chapter's Small Business Committee hosted Robert L. Smith, director, Department of the Navy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) & Special Programs, as the guest keynote speaker for its virtual breakfast event. These programs provide opportunities for domestic small businesses and startups to deliver solutions to meet naval needs through Federal Research/Research and Development. These competitive, three-phase, awards-based programs aim to advance innovations while transitioning the resulting technologies to the Force/Fleet and commercialization in private markets.Smith offered advice on how small businesses can position themselves to participate in upcoming opportunities. There are numerous activities designed to assist small businesses in fully developing, testing and inserting their technology into products and services. The program's goal is to create innovative solutions using American small businesses to co ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 01/13/2022 The chapter was proud to virtually host speakers, panelists and audience members from government and industry for the 2022 Army IT Day. The day featured three keynote speakers: Raj Iyer, chief information officer; Lt. Gen. John Morrison Jr., USA, Army G-6; and Megan Dake, deputy assistant secretary of the Army (Procurement), Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition Logistics & Technology. Between each keynote speaker were panels, information sessions, and breakouts covering topics like "Convergence at the Tactical Edge," "CIO perspectives," "Electronic Warfare" and "DISA." AFCEA NOVA Committee members introduced the speakers and moderated the panel sessions in support of the theme of the day, "The Digital Transformation Driving Convergence." The chapter would like to thank all sponsors, volunteers, and representatives from government and industry for their continued support. Iyer kicked off the day by discussing the Army's Digital Transformation Strateg ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 12/21/2021 The chapter was proud to host various government and industry speakers and panelists as part of its 2021 Air Force IT Day. Keynote speakers Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt, USAF, deputy assistant secretary for contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, kicked off the morning, followed by a fireside chat with Lauren Knausenberger, chief information officer, U.S. Air Force. Kevin Stamey, director, Information Dominance, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics), secured the lunchtime crowd, and Lt. Gen. Robert J. Skinner, director, Defense Information Systems Agency, and commander, Joint Force Headquarters, rounded out the afternoon. Multiple panels discussed topics such as cloud, IT [information technology] Workforce Changes, Harnessing the Power of Data and Digital Modernization. These panels were moderated by various Air Force IT Day committee members dedicated to maki ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 05/14/2021
The chapter was proud to host Carlen Capenos, director, Small Business Programs, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), as the guest keynote speaker for its May Small Business virtual breakfast event. Throughout the hour-long event, Capenos provided suggestions and advice on working with DISA and how small businesses can best identify business opportunities.The Small Business Programs Office serves as the principal advocate for small businesses and the primary advisor to DISA for the small business program. With a staff of five (the largest in DISA history), they seek to educate small businesses and to advocate for maximum small business opportunities to support DISA in serving and protecting the warfighter in cyberspace. As of fiscal year 20, the Small Business Programs Office has set five new records for the allocation of dollars to small businesses, awarding more than $1.74 billion in prime contracts. Capenos stressed the importance of small businesses doing or ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 04/07/2021
The chapter was proud to host Denise Baylor, director, Small Business Programs, Air Force Program Executive Office (PEO)-Business and Enterprise Systems as the guest keynote speaker for its April Small Business virtual breakfast event. Throughout the hour-long event, Baylor provided a wealth of knowledge, suggestions, and advice on what the Business and Enterprise Systems (BES) directorate needs and how small businesses can best identify business opportunities. Overall, the directorate runs 136 programs ($1.2 billion portfolio), serves more than 2,100 personnel (3.3 million users) across three states and looks to small business for innovation as well as agile and affordable solutions to meet warfighter needs for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Maxwell Air Force Base/Gunter Annex, Randolph Air Force Base, and Hanscom Air Force Base, in support of the Air Force's mission. "We run the systems that run the Air Force," said Baylor about PEO-BES as she clarified that the BES Dir ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 02/10/2021
In February, the chapter's Third Annual IC IT Day kicked off 2021 with this year's theme of Balancing Security and Accessibility in the Virtual Environment. The day offered a variety of IC Leadership and provided timely insights and opportunity for industry. Sean Caufield, IC IT Day chairman and current chapter executive vice president kicked off the day with the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) Panel "Reimagining Readiness: Building an AI/Emerging Tech-Ready Organization." The panel included Jacqueline Tame, acting deputy director; Jane Pinelis, chief, Test and Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML); and Alka Patel, head of AI ethics policy. The panel was moderated by Kari Bingen, nonresident senior adviser, Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS). As part of the discussion on the JAIC 2.0 effort, Pinelis provided some insight into a new forthcoming multi-award contract for data readiness assessments that will help connect U.S. Defe ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 01/21/2021
The chapter's 20th Annual Army IT Day kicked off 2021 with this year's theme of Enterprise to the Edge: Cloud and Data Enabling MDO was held virtually in January. Both days offered a variety of Army Senior Leadership as well as a variety of panelists from U.S. Defense Department, industry and academia that provided insight and opportunity for industry. Steven Buck, chapter event chairperson, kicked off the two-day event with an introduction to Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett, USA, commanding general, U.S. Army Network Technology Command (NETCOM), as the first day morning keynote speaker. Gen. Barrett provided her perspective on mission success for NETCOM and challenges ahead to support the warfighter. Following Gen. Barrett's presentation was a panel discussion from the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) with Maj. Gen. Peter Gallagher, USA, Brig. Gen. Robert Collins, USA, and Michael Monteleone, Senior Executive ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 11/19/2020
The chapter is proud to have hosted Lt. Gen. Dennis A. Crall, USMC, as the guest speaker for our November virtual luncheon event. Gen. Crall currently serves as the director for Command, Control, Communications and Computers, cyber and chief information officer, Joint Staff, J-6. Prior to joining the J-6, Gen. Crall served as the deputy principal cyber advisor, senior military advisor for cyber policy; and director, Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4), Headquarters Marine Corps, and chief information officer (CIO) of the Marine Corps.Gen. Crall specifically discussed Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and cyber dominance on the battlefield. Specifically, JADC2 focuses on locating all networked devices on the battlefield, analyzing the vast amount of data collected and then rapidly pushing the information to the warfighter. Currently, the JADC2 effort is about 80 percent complete, and the remaining focus is finalizing lexicon and definitions to ensure u ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 12/15/2020
The chapter's 19th Annual Air and Space Forces IT Day with this year's theme of "Accelerating Air, Space and Cyber Digital Transformation" was held virtually in December. This was a full day of Air Force and Space Force senior leadership as well as a variety of panelists from U.S. Defense Department, industry and academia that provided insight and opportunity for industry. Tamara Greenspan, event chair and chapter past president, kicked off the day by introducing the morning keynote speaker Lauren Knausenberger, deputy chief information officer, U.S. Air Force, who gave industry insights into her program, including the focus for more UX (user experience), better collaboration between branches and a unique approach towards ending legacy network-related policies, process and or equipment redundancy in a project called Operation Flamethrower. Various panels throughout the day included: Key Tenets of the Data Strategy and How They Operationalize in this Space; Round Table Discussion: De ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 10/07/2020
The chapter kicked off its Fall Calendar with the 19th Annual Naval IT Day in October. This year's theme was "Accelerated Modernization with Emerging Technologies." The U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Information Warfare (DASN IWAR)/Program Executive Officer (PEO) were represented throughout the day with speakers, panels and various industry briefs.The day was kicked off by a naval Senior Leadership panel including Aaron Weis, Department of the Navy (DON) chief information officer, Rear Adm. Susan Bryer Joyner, USN, director, Navy Cyber Security Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, and Lt. Gen. Loretta Reynolds, USMC, Deputy Department of the Navy chief information officer, Marine Corps. They spoke on the Department of the Navy (DON) Information Superiority Vision, with its emphasis on modernizing infrastructure, innovating to deploy new capabilities and defending information. With Naval I ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 09/18/2020
The chapter kicked off the fiscal year 2021 luncheon series in September with Lt. Gen. B. Chance "Salty" Saltzman, USSF, deputy chief, Space Operations, Cyber and Nuclear, United States Space Force. Gen. Saltzman discussed in detail the Space Force organization, technological focus, Space Enterprise Consortium and industry best practices.Gen. Saltzman stated the U.S. Space Force (USSF) is serious about being a digital service and is looking to rapidly integrate new technologies. As deputy chief of Space Operations, Gen. Saltzman envisions a real-time dashboard to measure performance metrics for technology and personnel. Regarding enterprise technology, the general noted the importance of rapidly fielding new capabilities horizontally with limited stovepiping. "The transition from vertical to horizontal integration will increase the speed in which these technologies are integrated into operations," he clarified. Regarding industry participation, the general noted the impo ... READ MORE |
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Linda Drake and Rob Landry from the chapter's Education Committee participated in the January Adopt-a-School STEM program at the Herndon High School 2020 Science Fair. The chapter provided judges and evaluated several projects. The top awardees will proceed to the Fairfax County Regional Science Fair in March.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 11/07/2019
What are the characteristics of a leader? In November, members of the chapter's Young AFCEAN organization learned the answer during the second installment of the group's DoD 101 series. In the executive boardroom at CACI, young professionals engaged in dynamic roundtable discussions with Brig. Gen. Jay "Scott" Goldstein, USAF, mobilization assistant to the undersecretary of the Air Force, and Tom Mutryn, chief financial officer, CACI. During the sold-out event, attendees learned from these executives how to cultivate a successful career path by developing critical character traits and leadership skills. Participants also discussed how the nature of leadership in the defense community is evolving due to technological advances and changing business practices. The theme of the event was inspired by the book Character: The Ultimate Success Factor, by J. Phillip London, executive chairman, CACI. Attendees were graciously provided with copies of the book.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 09/12/2019
The chapter began its 2019-2020 business year with a momentous event. Diane Clark, widow of the late Charles "Chuck" Corjay, signed a Memorandum of Agreement between her newly established Diane Clark and Charles Corjay Memorial Scholarship Fund (DCC2MSF) and the chapter. Chuck Corjay was devoted to supporting students studying STEM, so Clark established the DCC2MSF to provide matching grants to the chapter's Corjay Scholarship. Each spring, the chapter will inform Clark how much money the chapter has raised for the scholarship, and she will award a matching grant up to a predetermined amount. This relationship solidifies the vow the chapter made to ensure Corjay's legacy would be remembered for years to come. Corjay made an indelible mark on the chapter and many of its members with his enthusiasm, dedication and support for many programs. All friends of Corjay and supporters of STEM are encouraged to make "Corjay Designated" donations to the AFCEA NOVA Education Foundation to captur ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 08/29/2019
In August, leadership from every Young AFCEA chapter in the National Capital Region came out to the last preseason game for the Washington Redskins where they faced local rival, the Baltimore Ravens. While the evening did not end well for the Redskins, the Young AFCEANs from Bethesda, Maryland; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Washington D.C.; and Northern Virginia had a great opportunity to network with representatives from different chapters as well as leadership from AFCEA International. Throughout the time at FedEx Field, the AFCEAN crew discussed cross-chapter and regional programs, interacted with various other organizations, and even had the opportunity to take photos with nonactive players such as four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. This event was organized through the efforts of the Keith Weldon, vice president of hospitality for the Washington Redskins, and Alvie Johnson, regional vice president, National Capital Region, in a bid to increase both groups' community outreach ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 05/17/2019 The chapter transitioned into the summer with its monthly luncheon held in May. Government and industry officials showed their dedication and proactive business efforts by attending the event, engaging with the keynote speaker and participating in an open-ended and lively discussion. The highlight was Robin P. Swan, director, Office of Business Transformation, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Washington, D.C., who delivered an engaging, direct and informative speech about Army Reform and Futures Command. For those who missed the lunch, no need to fret because here is the rundown on what transpired during the day. Starting off the luncheon on an interactive note, attendees filtered into the Sheraton of Tysons Corner, Virginia, where they had the opportunity to network and expand their business connections. When the main doors opened, it was unclear whether it was the carrot cake or chimes that enticed people to come in. All chapter members should note that there was an update to ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 04/25/2019
In April, Women in Nova (WIN) conducted a panel discussion: The Risk that Changed My Career. In conjunction with Take Your Child to Work Day, attendees were encouraged to bring their high school-aged child (or older) to the event. A few took up the offer, and it was a well-attended, lively group. The speakers were Eileen M. Vidrine, Air Force chief data officer, Headquarters, United States Air Force; Col. Claire Cuccio, USA (Ret.), president and CEO, SNVC. The moderator, Meg Mitcham, vice president, Reingold, introduced the panelists by asking questions regarding risk-taking. Needless to say, both panelists took the risk. Some of the questions for the morning were the following: Are you a natural risk taker? Why do we take risks? How do risks pay off? Neither of the panelists believed they were taking risks in their career and saw everything as an opportunity. The overall message conveyed the following: Since you never know when the next opportunity will present itself, you must sei ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 02/22/2019
In February, the chapter's Women in NOVA (WIN) lunch panel discussed Innovation and Agility. Our speakers were Lt. Col. (P) Anne Wiersgalla, USA, director, Strategic Initiatives Group (SIG)/Strategic Communications Headquarters Department of the Army, Chief Information Officer/G6 and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Samantha Haberlach, deputy director, Human Capital Management Practice, Definitive Logic. Our moderator, Patty St. George, senior partner, KPMG Inc., introduced the panelists and engaged them in a variety of questions about how their organizations are supporting innovation and the challenges of doing this within the Defense Department policies and regulations. Col. Wiersgalla spoke about innovation in terms of the era of strategic competition. She cited innovations in warfare throughout the ages: fortified buildings, stirrups, gun powder, tanks, airplane, nuclear age and social media. The colonel suggested there is a need to examine how to change the character of war in order to overmatc ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 02/06/2019
The chapter continues to support local and regional science fairs. In February, judges from the chapter assisted with science fair judging at Herndon High School in Herndon, Virginia. The judges included Ted Spara, Gerry Lebel, Paul-Michael Ferguson, Bob Landry and Linda Drake. Several first and second place awards were recommended.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 01/18/2019
The chapter launched 2019 with a stellar luncheon in January. This event was the place to be for any contractor curious about the most effective strategies to bring emerging technology solutions to the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). With over 200 attendees, the atmosphere was vibrant. Networking at the beginning of the event provided a wonderful reconnecting opportunity for colleagues doing business or hoping to do business with DISA. Stephen Wallace was the keynote speaker. Wallace is a systems innovation scientist for the Emerging Technologies (EM) Directorate at DISA, which is a new position at the agency. He presented a clear picture of the organization's focus as it relates to emerging technologies and how best to engage for optimal results. He clarified the steps DISA leadership is taking to reshape the organization to more effectively align with its mission, which is to provide enterprise-level IT capabilities and services to the nation's warfighters, national-lev ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 10/30/2018
The AFCEA Women in Nova (WIN) held a panel in October titled "Business System Reform - What's different this time?" It provided attendees insight from engaging government executives on DOD's recent business reform efforts. The speakers were Greg Little, Business Integration Office, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), and Nikki Cabezas, project lead, IT and Business Reform Team, Department of Defense Chief Information Officer. The moderator, Ray Miles, strategic account executive, ImmixGroup Inc., provided an introduction describing the complexity of the DOD environment and asked the panelists how their organizations are meeting the challenge of business reform. Little described how his office is using data collection and associated analytics to provide an enterprise capability for the department to help agencies reduce cost and produce customer satisfaction. They are working to provide four financial data capabilities: 1) analytics as a service, 2) data as a serv ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 10/01/2018
During the chapter's Naval IT Day in October, Rear Adm. Danelle Barrett, USN, cybersecurity division director, N2/N6, and Brig. Gen. Lorna Mahlock, USMC, director, command, control, communications and computers, Headquarters Marine Corps, provided their vision on modernization in a fireside chat, "Restoring Wholeness in Our Naval Force Through IT & Cyber Acquisition,' moderated by AT&T's Chris Smith. The day featured Navy and Marine Corps speakers representing multiple communities-requirements, operations, policy, acquisition and small business. With a common theme of modernizing, the panels opined on how industry can support the Naval services within the bounds of financial and cybersecurity constraints. The keynote featured Dana Deasy, chief information officer, U.S Department of Defense, who spoke about AI, big data and cloud, and his vision for DOD.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 09/21/2018
AI/ML! AI/ML! The chant heard around the community was no different from the one at the chapter's September luncheon. The event featured a panel of speakers responsible for large programs grappling with terabytes to petabytes of data. While it was billed as a panel on big data analytics, the speakers quickly shifted gears to talk quite a bit about artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) initiatives. After brief introductions, moderator Jeffrey Schneider, U.S. Defense Department Office of People Analytics, Defense Human Resources Activity, began to navigate the group through a series of insightful discussions. Teresa Smith, chief data officer, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), introduced the AI/ML theme when she talked about having a Christmas deadline to meet AI/ML initiatives. She jokingly talked about working hard to deliver that "present" to her leadership. Representatives across the DLA brainstormed 45 use cases for AI analytics, Smith said, but there is still a lot o ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 05/02/2018
The chapter's Women in NOVA (WIN) started a panel discussion series that began in fiscal year 2018. Each panel had government executives sharing their experiences, challenges and expertise on a variety of topics. The series began last July with the cloud, human resources transformation and financial accountability as the topics for individual roundtable discussions with representatives from the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy. Participants could speak with each of the panelists as they rotated through the tables. In October, risk management was the topic with officials from the Army, the Defense Health Agency and industry represented by Thundercat Technology. Speakers shared techniques for identifying, analyzing and communicating risk and methods to mitigate it. Representatives from the U.S. Defense Department, the Marine Corps and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense tackled the topic of Defense Department technology trends in February. The panel discussed the importance ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 05/18/2018
The chapter honored 12 student award winners from the Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair at its May luncheon. Their work touched on drones, magnetohydrodynamic drives, object detection and an artificial spinal cord as well as combating gerrymandering and helping the blind see. Several students also won other prizes at this fair and at the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair. The luncheon's keynote speaker was Gary Wang, the U.S. Army's deputy chief information officer/G-6. After speaking, Wang spent time with the students to learn about their projects. The chapter thanks the students for their contributions to STEM fields, Wang for serving as keynote speaker and chapter leaders for organizing the event to advance STEM education locally.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 11/17/2017
Members were all feeling especially thankful at the November luncheon-and not just because it was the Friday before Thanksgiving week. This month, the chapter celebrated the future with its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) scholarship schools and enduring freedom by honoring the U.S. Marine Corps birthday with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony. Logistics was the topic of the chapter's November panel. Often, logistics professionals are not appreciated for the hard work they do every day, and the spotlight is pointed toward them when things go awry. But day in and day out, they struggle with old and disjointed systems and policies. Panelists talked about these issues and how they are working to make changes. David Hansen, program manager, Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps, Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems (PEO-EIS), started the discussion by pointing out that while modernization is necessary, the Defense Department is not lik ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 10/03/2017 Vice Adm. Jan Tighe, USN, deputy chief of naval operations for information warfare and director of naval intelligence, kicked off the chapter's 16th Naval IT Day in October with an overview of Navy networks and the way ahead. Before lunch was a series of fireside chats and panels focused on the Internet of Things, cybersecurity and Navy network status. The Navy small business office also hosted a session to support and demonstrate small business activities across the service. After lunch, attendees received a Navy budget briefing and two retired flag officers provided candid remarks on future network requirements. The Marine Corps Cybersecurity Division and the Navy Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems led panels explaining their vision, requirements and gaps. |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 07/19/2017
In July, Women in NOVA held their quarterly meeting. More than 50 attendees talked more in-depth about the topics they covered this year including the cloud, human resources transformation and financial accountability. The roundtable of experts featured Lt. Col. Samantha Haberlach, USAF, chief, System Planning and Integration Division, Plans and Integration Directorate, Headquarters United States Air Force; John Koski, Jr., director of information systems and technology, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Operations; Johanna Curry, project officer for the U.S. Army's application migration; and Susan Shuryn, cloud computing lead in the office of the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer. After networking, experts engaged in 15-minute open discussions with small groups. During the discussions Curry clarified the importance of the Army Cloud Computing Enterprise Transformation (ACCENT) program and noted that all ordering on ACCENT will be ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 05/12/2017 The chapter's May luncheon focused on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with a panel discussion led by John Gilligan. Gilligan is the chairman and interim CEO of the Center for Internet Security. Panelists included Randi Kieffer, deputy director of the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, Cyber Threat Detection and Analysis, (DHS NCCIC); Michael Smith, executive director, DHS Office of Selective Acquisitions; and Paul Morris, chief information security officer (CISO) and executive director, Information Assurance and Cyber Security Division, Office of Information Technology, Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The luncheon recognized Young AFCEAN Kaitlin Bulavinetz of the Meyers Group. Bulavinetz is a frequent volunteer and chair of the chapter's Social Media Team. She is energetic and enthusiastic. The chapter's SUPERNOVA was Wendi Hawk of LookingGlass Cyber Solutions. Hawk is a longtime member and a supporter of chapter luncheons and ... READ MORE |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 01/10/2017
The chapter's February luncheon featured the Defense Department's chief information officer, Terry Halvorsen, and Gary Wang, deputy chief information officer/G-6. Halvorsen retires from his post February 28. Chapter Past President Chuck Corjay presented Halvorsen the AFCEA Special Recognition Gold Eagle Award for his support of the chapter. Wang discussed the challenges he faces and future investments, including focus areas for fiscal year 2017, such as enterprise services, infrastructure and network modernization. The chapter also recognized the contributions of Young AFCEANs Katie Aceto and Melissa Shaw from Deltek. Aceto has been volunteering at chapter lunches for three years. Recently, she supported the Luncheon Committee and was a registration volunteer. She also has served as the point of contact for Herndon High School in the AFCEA Adopt-a-School Program. Shaw has served the chapter in many capacities for the past four years through the Luncheon Committee, IT Days and the Me ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 11/10/2016
Brig. Gen. Dennis Crall, USMC, director, command, control, communications, computers (C4)/chief information officer (CIO), spoke at the chapter's November luncheon. Gen. Crall led the chapter in celebrating the Marine Corps' 241st birthday, including the ceremony passing cake from the oldest Marine to the youngest Marine. Marines were on hand to collect toys from attendees for Toys for Tots.The chapter recognized Young AFCEANs Katie Aceto and Melissa Shaw from Deltek. They have both been supporting the luncheon committee in securing volunteers and preparing presentations to help the lunch run smoothly. In addition, Aceto has supported Herndon High School, Herndon, Viginia, in the Adopt-a-School program. Shaw has been active on the Mentor-Protege Committee and volunteers for multiple events. SuperNOVAs were Jerry Hanson and Linda Dinga. Hanson joined the chapter's AF IT Day committee and really burned up the wires for sponsors. Dinga is the director of corporate development for Arena ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 10/21/2016
Rear Adm. Nancy Norton, USN, director of warfare integration for information warfare (OPNAV N2/N6F), was the chapter's October luncheon speaker. Adm. Norton was very informative, covering a variety of topics, including Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services system (CANES), Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN), the Joint Information Environment (JIE) and the cloud. The luncheon also highlighted the chapter's very successful adopt-a-school program, including schools from elementary to high school. Eleven schools received checks to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Schools supported the chapter too by having high school student Emma Lay sing the national anthem. |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 10/21/2016
The chapter recognized Sandy Forney, Lloyd McCoy and Adrian Hall in October for their contributions as volunteers. Since 2010, Forney has been the chapter's point of contact for the adopt-a-school program focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education at the K-12 level. She spent more than 200 hours planning and developing presentations and meeting with Robinson Secondary School. Forney authored grant applications resulting in more than $20,000 to improve the STEM curriculum there. McCoy has worked tirelessly to help make the chapter's IT Day events successful. He adds value to any situation and is always willing to assist the chapter. McCoy volunteers for multiple events. Hall has been an outstanding IT Day committee member. She contributed greatly to meetings, saving the team time, resolving issues and even securing two speakers for the event. Hall has great people skills and energy. She also stepped up and joined the Sponsorship Outreach Team.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 09/19/2016
The chapter kicked off the luncheon season in September with Annette Redmond as the guest speaker. Redmond is the director of Army Intelligence Community Information Management. A few of the topics she focused on included the operational environment, guidance from the chief, areas to work on, science and technology, the intelligence force structure and a few thoughts on leadership. The luncheon was lead by Chapter President Dave Scarbalis from Computer Associates. Young AFCEANs Justin Davis and Jovan Silva and SuperNOVAs Diane Holland and Mark Jasen were recognized for consistently putting in extra effort for chapter events.
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 09/01/2016
The chapter hosted its ninth annual Joint Warfighter IT Day in September. The conference provided an unparalleled opportunity to hear from and meet senior military and civilian leaders from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the combatant commands, the military services and U.S. Defense Department agencies. Among the speakers were Terry Halvorsen, Defense Department chief information officer; David Bennett, Defense Information Systems Agency chief information officer and director of operations; and Maj. Gen. Linda Urrutia-Varhall, USAF, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency director of operations. Speakers also were present from Military Health System and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The speakers engaged the audience and discussed their priorities and upcoming opportunities. On the sidelines, Young AFCEANs and senior chapter members continued to network with each other. Included in the events that took place during the day was the popular Small Business Networking Sess ... READ MORE
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER - 09/01/2016
The largest portion of AFCEA's largest chapter is "small": Seventy percent of chapter members are with small businesses. Accordingly, the chapter places a premium on its support to small business members. It kicked off this year's Small Business Program with a networking event in conjunction with September's Joint Warfighter IT Day. Tables and chairs were provided at no additional cost for small businesses and large firms to informally gather and discuss requirements and map capabilities and opportunities for teaming. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the Army Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) staff attended to promote their valuable services. October brought a breakfast with the topic "Staying Out of Jail: Government Security and Accounting Compliance," and next up is the chapter's Defense Enterprise IT Small Business Forum. Government leaders and program managers (PMs) from the Program Executive Offices at the Army, Navy and Air Force ... READ MORE
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